If Horror Movie Characters Used OS Maps, They’d Probably Still Be Alive

Horror movie characters have a habit of finding themselves in avoidable situations.

Looking back through the history of horror cinema, it’s hard not to notice how many problems begin with a questionable navigation decision… so as we’re the experts at Ordnance Survey, we thought we’d step in with some sage advice. We can’t guarantee everyone would have made it safely to the end credits, but they might at least have spent less time getting lost in the woods.

Horror Film Scenario #1: “Let’s Split Up”

The path has been quiet all day. Autumn leaves crunch underfoot and the route ahead disappears between tall trees. Then, somewhere in the distance, a blood-curdling scream. Everyone stops.

This is the point in the film where somebody suggests splitting up for some bizarre reason. And, somehow, everyone agrees.

One group heads towards the scream. Another decides to explore a quicker way home. You just know that at least one of them isn’t making it to the end credits.

Sharing a route in the OS Maps app before setting off makes it much easier to keep track of the plan and find each other again if someone falls behind. That way you all have the map downloaded and the route on your phones, which is also helpful if your battery packs up.

Horror Film Scenario #2: Getting Lost in the Fog

The mist starts to roll in. At first it’s barely noticeable. The landscape softens around the edges and familiar landmarks become harder to pick out. Then, before long, the path ahead seems to disappear altogether. The faint sound of howling in the distance and no one knows which direction is home…

Fog can make even familiar places feel completely different. Distances become difficult to judge, junctions are easier to miss and routes that seemed obvious in clear weather suddenly feel far less certain. It’s so important to check the weather in advance of a hike and on the day.

When visibility drops, having the OS Maps app to follow your route and pinpoint your location can make all the difference. Just remember to have a back up battery or phone with you just in case. Navigating with a paper map in fog is really hard without advanced compass skills.

Advanced navigation for poor visibility

Horror Film Scenario #3: Staying out after sunset

Horror movie characters have an unfortunate habit of underestimating how much daylight they have left. And very few good things happen after sunset when you’re wandering on the moors. “We’ll be back before dark,” somebody says. They never are…

Getting benighted is usually less dramatic than it is in the films, and we have it on pretty good authority at OS that there are very few vampires still roaming the UK. Although, just to be safe, you might want to avoid Whitby after dark.

The OS Maps app can help you stay on track if your adventure runs later than planned. Always carry a torch (a headtorch is best) and spare batteries in your backpack and you’ll always be prepared. You’ll need your phone for navigation, the inbuilt torch will quickly drain the battery.

Horror Film Scenario #4: The Shortcut

The warning signs are usually there. A clearly marked path heads one way. Our horror movie character looks at it briefly, spots what appears to be a quicker route and confidently heads off in the opposite direction.

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Shortcuts in real life are often less dramatic with far fewer werewolves, but that said they’re not always the time-saver they seem. What looks like the quickest option can lead to steep ground, thick vegetation, muddy fields or an awkward obstacle that wasn’t obvious from a distance.

Following a planned route in the OS Maps app takes much of the guesswork out of navigation. If a route has been plotted a certain way, there’s usually a good reason for it.

Planning a Walking Route in 5 Easy Steps

Horror Film Scenario #5: Ignoring the Local Warning

A local resident appears and delivers a clear warning.

“Don’t go that way.”

For most horror movie characters, this is treated less as advice and more as a challenge. We all know how it will end… probably not with Zombie Dartmoor Ponies… but you just can’t be too careful.

If plans need to change, the OS Maps app can help you find alternative footpaths and get back on track. Just make sure you have downloaded the map before you head out so it will work even when you have no signal.

OS Maps community alerts are a great way to help you avoid obstructions like fallen trees, livestock or flooded paths.

Horror Film Scenario #6: “We’ll Just Remember the Way”

Everything seems obvious on the way out. Every junction looks memorable. Every landmark feels impossible to miss. Then it’s time to head home and suddenly it’s getting dark soon and all the paths looks identical. This is where horror movie characters start walking in circles while the psychopaths are lurking in the shadows.

The OS Maps app makes it easy to check your location and follow your route, rather than relying on memory alone. It’s there if you need it and that can add a great deal of confidence when you’re out walking, especially if you’re on your own. Click Follow Route or if you’re creating a new route as you walk, click the red recording symbol in order to track your path.

Avoid Your Own Horror Story This Autumn

If horror films have taught us anything, it’s that poor decisions tend to have consequences.

Plan your route. Check the forecast. Carry the right kit. Stay aware of your surroundings.

And if you hear wolves howling in the distance… it’s probably a dog walker.

But maybe head in the other direction anyway.

OS Locate Me

If you are lost you can use the OS Maps Locate Me feature to send a text to friends or tell Mountain rescue where exactly you are

How to share your location in the OS Maps app

• Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the map screen.
• Select Locate Me.
• Tap the Share icon in the top right corner (the arrow pointing upwards).

I Think I’m Lost. What Should I Do?